'Jungle Boy' and 'Kaos' on their way to the top

The University of Wisconsin-Superior's Wessman Arena was packed with fans last Saturday.

It was hot and humid inside the arena -- much like the jungle.

The boxing production "Playing for Keeps" was do- or-die time for two local fighters.

They both came through.

Not only did Zach "Jungle Boy" Walters capture the North American Boxing Association light heavyweight regional belt, but Andy "Kaos" Kolle won the NABA middleweight regional belt.

The 'Jungle Boy'

Walters (23-2, 18 KOs) defeated Aaron Norwood in the second round with a technical knockout.

"I felt it validated my standing," said Walters about his current No. 17 ranking by the World Boxing Council.

Before the TKO, Walters hit Norwood with a low blow, but the referee did not disqualify Walters because he didn't feel it was intentional.

Shortly after his opponent recovered, Walters hit Norwood with a fury of punches -- the referee then called the fight.

With a win such as this, Walters should move up in the rankings. Maybe one day, he'll play to an even larger venue, such as Madison Square Garden or Las Vegas.

"I want to make sure they want me there," Walters said about those venues.

What's up next for Walters?

In the short term -- he and his dad are going to be running Grandma's Marathon.

In the long term, possibly a shot at the world championship.

'Kaos' in the ring

Kolle defeated former "The Contender" TV show participant Jonathan "Reid Dawg" Reid in a unanimous decision.

"I learned you don't have to knock everybody out to win," Kolle said Monday. "You don't have to win every second of every round."

Kolle added his jab is very good and was a key to his victory.

According to trainer Chuck Horton at a press conference a few weeks ago, a lot of trash talk was coming from Reid's camp.

Kolle said he was motivated by the talk, but that Reid was a pretty nice guy when they met.

With the win, Kolle should also move up in the rankings.

Kolle said the title should also put him in the top 20 of the World Boxing Association.

In the future Kolle said he wouldn't mind having a showdown with another former "The Contender" participant, "The Bullet" Anthony Bonsante. Bonsante recently defeated Ted Muller at Grand Casino Hinckley.

"I'm going to take my mind completely off boxing for a week and just recover," Kolle said. "I'm sore from head to toe."

Jack O'Brien

A co-coach and trainer for Horton's Gym, Jack O'Brien sees a bright future for "Jungle Boy" and "Kaos."

"They are dedicated kids, dedicated to the sport, and you don't see that very often," said O'Brien, who has been involved with boxing for decades.

O'Brien believes the best is yet to come from Walters and Kolle.

"They are not even at their peak yet," O'Brien said.

A world championship could be looming for both fighters.

"Within a year," O'Brien said.

O'Brien said both are on the right path that would bring them to that territory.